Can I expense the costs of the trip to Phoenix and the gas/oil change I paid for on the trip back?

We have it managed by Evolve, but we also have to be up there every week to make sure things are clean and in order (90 mile round trip) because the cleaners aren't amazing and the options for most service work in that area is hit or miss.

Occasional, very limited travel expenses where the trip can be 100% attributed to the business of the plan can become expenses of the plan, but it is probably better not to go there.  

Here it is typical to see $125 - $145 per hour, plus a trip charge.

If it's an hour away, that's a 2-hour round trip any time you have to be at the property.

EXAMPLE: You use the car to look for potential flips, business trips and to go to business meetings; BUT you also use the car as a DOOR DASHER on the side.  

On one trip down, we actually saw the house across the street being remodeled. 

Best of luck on your trip and meeting for coffee sounds good upon your return.

As far as timing goes, snow can slow you down some (depending on what you're doing (roofing, landscaping, etc.) and selling during the winter (November-February in most places) can be harder since not as many are excited to brave the elements to go look at houses.I don't have that problem in AZ, but have seen others get tripped up by the weather so try to avoid selling during the holidays if you can.If you have cash, use it.

The breaker keeps tripping.